September is ‘National Preparedness Month’
Health District encourages community to ‘make a kit, make a plan’

LAS VEGAS –
Disasters and emergencies are, by nature, unpredictable. That does not mean people cannot be prepared. September is National Preparedness Month and the Southern Nevada Health District encourages families, businesses, schools, and other community members to create preparedness plans and to learn about the types of emergencies that can occur in our community. Information about emergency preparedness and tips to develop a family plan can be found on the Health District’s Emergency Preparedness webpage as well as the Ready.gov website. In addition, preparedness brochures are available from the City of Henderson on its website: Get Ready! Stay Ready!

A key component of any family emergency plan should include a variety of communication options. The Health District recommends family’s take steps to:

Create and practice a communications plan

Ensure older family members can communicate with you

Designate an out-of-town contact everyone can call

Learn the emergency and communication plans for your children’s schools

Download a group texting app that family members can use before, during and after an emergency

An emergency preparedness kit can be assembled over several months simply by adding one or two items to a grocery list. Supplies can be contained in a new, large container, a backpack or a suitcase. A kit should include food, water, a first aid kit, tools, copies of important documents, clothing and bedding, medications, and pet supplies. A household preparedness kit should include enough supplies to sustain everyone in the household for as many as three weeks. There should also be supplemental go-kits that families can grab in the event of an evacuation.

The Health District’s recommendations for a family emergency preparedness kit include:

Don’t forget to prepare for pets. Many shelters might not be able to accommodate pets. Before an emergency occurs, check hotels, motels or shelters to see which will be able to accept pets. Prepare a kit for pets as well and remember to include any medical information or supplies, leashes, food, and toys. Check with your vet about the pet carrier that is appropriate for your animal and microchip pets so you can find them if you are separated.